Enthralled with the heat of competition, Christian Haynes fell in love with the game of football quickly. He’s played the sport since he was five years old.
Haynes is now on the precipice of becoming a professional after more than a decade of success and toil. He was asked at the NFL Combine what he would say if he could write a letter to his high school self.
The answer for the UConn interior offensive lineman was simple.
“Keep working hard,” he said. “Don’t let the doubters doubt you. Keep going on the path.”
Where Did Christian Haynes Get Drafted?
Haynes was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was selected with the 81st overall pick.
“My nastiness and athleticism,” Haynes said when asked which of his skills will translate best to the pros. “Being able to get to the second level and knock people off the ball.”
What Was Christian Haynes’ 40 Time?
Haynes ran the 40-yard dash in 5.03 seconds at the NFL Combine, which was the 11th-fastest time among offensive linemen.
At 6-foot-3, 317 pounds, his vertical jump of 33 inches tied for eighth at his position. He also bench pressed 25 reps, which tied for 15th, and his broad jump of 8 feet, 6 inches tied for 42nd.
Haynes said there’s no aspect of his game he’s been trying to emphasize lately. He believes he has to keep improving in all areas in order to acclimate to the NFL, and his overall athleticism should help with that.
“Just try to make that next step into becoming a pro,” Haynes said. “I can do everything.”
Christian Haynes’ Stats And Highlights
Among FBS offensive guards who played at least 213 snaps in 2023, Haynes was ranked 10th in Pro Football Focus’ grades.
Haynes was phenomenal in pass protection. He allowed just 12 pressures all season, which included one quarterback hit and only one sack.
The year before, he was arguably even better, allowing three pressures, one hit, and no sacks. Over the last four years, he’s averaged 12 pressures and two sacks allowed per season.
He’s also a standout run blocker. In PFF’s grades in 2023, he was eighth in run blocking.
And at the Senior Bowl, he proved he can thrive even against elite prospects.
“Just going down there and showing I can compete at every level,” Haynes said. “Just being able to dominate and show I can play any competition possible.”
Christian Haynes’ NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
I project Haynes’ NFL career path will be similar to James Daniels of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Daniels, at 6-4, 327 pounds, is a well-rounded player and has put together a solid career after being drafted in the second round in 2018.
Haynes is excellent at the point of attack. He’s clearly strong and tough to push back once he’s anchored in.
His hand placement is also often great as he keeps his hands near the middle of his opponent’s chest. And he’s active with his feet, as they’re constantly moving which helps him stay in front of defensive linemen.
Many times, pass rushers just seem stuck when trying to get past Haynes.
While he occasionally lost his balance in college, his impressive athleticism will help him greatly in the NFL. In UConn’s zone run scheme, he had the speed to pull or reach the second level and block linebackers in a hurry.
Haynes made plenty of improvements during his collegiate career. But above all, he said he learned how to remain poised.
That will surely help him if he becomes an NFL starter.
“Just have the confidence in yourself,” Haynes said, “to go out there and be great and show you’re the best.”
